Full back Duckworth joins Cod Army from Hartlepool United

Fleetwood Town are pleased to confirm the signing of Hartlepool United full back Michael Duckworth.

The 24-year-old has been tracked by the Cod Army for a number of months and will bolster Steven Pressley’s defensive options heading into the 2016/17 League One season.

Duckworth, who has made just shy of 100 appearances for Pools in three seasons, made his senior debut coincidently against the Cod Army at Victoria Park in August 2013.

He has gone on to make just shy of 100 appearances since then, and played a crucial role in Hartlepool’s famous fight against relegation from League Two in 2014/15.

In his first interview as a Fleetwood player, Duckworth told the Club website that the way the Cod Army play match his strengths as a footballer.

“I enjoy getting forward as a full back,” said Duckworth. “I have spoken to the manager and he told me he wants the full backs to push on. I am an attack minded full back so it suits me perfectly.

“I have spent the last three seasons at Hartlepool United. They signed me from non-league side Bradford PA. I will always be grateful to Hartlepool for giving me my chance to play professional football.

“But now I am ready for the start of a new chapter. This is a step forward and I want to progress. We have signed a couple of new players already this summer which is great.”

The first thing that caught Duckworth’s eye was the Club’s new multi-million pound training complex at Poolfoot Farm.

He explained: “The training ground is unbelievable. I first came when it was still under construction and now it is a whole different place. The facilities will attract so many players and that will ultimately benefit the football club.

“I am delighted to now be a Fleetwood Town footballer. I have spent the off season travelling around America with my fiancé and I am now ready for the next chapter of my career.”